Fire causes $500,000 in damage to Roseville plant

A two-alarm fire that broke out Tuesday at an automotive stamping plant and parts supply company in Roseville caused approximately $500,000 in damages and resulted in three injuries, according to fire officials.

About 200 employees were evacuated when the fire broke out about 11:40 a.m. at Sodecia Stamping Company on Common Road near Hayes Road.

The cause of the fire appears to be from welding sparks igniting in a 30-foot-deep pit that contains oil and flammable liquids, said Roseville Interim Fire Chief Michael Holland. The fire spread and sent plumes of thick, dark smoke into the air that were visible for miles.

“It was a serious situation,” Holland said. “We didn’t want the fire to spread. It could have been much worse.”

Fire crews were initially told a worker was trapped in the pit but he was able to escape on his own. He suffered undisclosed but non-life threatening injuries and was taken to St. John-Macomb Hospital in Warren for treatment. Two other employees were treated for smoke inhalation and released.

In calling a second alarm, Roseville was assisted by firefighters from Center Line, Eastpointe, Fraser, St. Clair Shores and Warren. They attacked the fire with water and foam, and had the blaze under control in about 30 minutes.

Also, Roseville water department workers and public works employees worked to dump yards of dirt in front of storm drain grates to prevent the chemicals mixed in with the water from entering the water system, Holland added.

According to the company’s website, Sodecia works on tool design and manufacturing, stamping, plastic injection, machining and more. It has plants in Center Line and Sterling Heights, as well as locations elsewhere in North America, South America, Africa and Europe.

Sodecia was forced to close for the day on Tuesday, but plant managers told fire officials they hope to re-open as soon as possible, perhaps as early as Wednesday. The building and some equipment were damaged.

Holland said the fire marshal and building inspectors will work with management to get the company back in operation once the structure is determined to be safe for occupancy.

“We know each day they’re not operating costs them money, so we want to do everything we can to get them up and running and make sure their business is viable,” Holland said.